I started feeding SmartDigest Ultra probiotic when my horse was diagnosed with Lyme and he was facing six weeks of treatment on Doxycycline. Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in a horse’s gut and it’s important to replace them.
I stopped at the SmartPak store and found SmartDigest Ultra in their clearance section so I bought a huge tub. According to the SmartPak website, “SmartDigest Ultra provides support for the entire gastrointestinal tract, from stomach to hindgut! Its unique formula includes probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, targeted herbs, L-Glutamine, soluble fiber, and Oat Beta Glucan. This innovative combination of ingredients was specially designed to support the health and function of the digestive tract. SmartDigest Ultra is an outstanding choice for any horse prone to digestive upset and those under stress from training, travel and competition.”
My horse came through his course of antibiotics without any problems and I still had a huge amount of the probiotic in the tub. So I’ve kept feeding it. You actually use only one small scoop per day, so 7.5 pounds lasts a long time. That’s a good thing because the stuff is wicked expensive.
A few weeks ago, I noticed an unexpected — and positive — side effect. My hard keeper OTTB has gained weight. In the late summer/early fall he had been looking ribby. Now, looking past his furry winter coat, he’s a really good weight! I’m feeding him a bit less that I usually do and he’s holding his weight very nicely, something that’s not always a given during the winter.
So, I guess the probiotics are actually helping his digestive system to get more nutrition from his rations. He’s looking really good too — shiny and healthy.
I wasn’t planning to purchase more when I used up the bucket, but I’m reconsidering. After all, when I find it on sale, it’s not quite so expensive. And I after all, I’m saving money on the rest of his feed.
